Argentina, along with Uruguay, jointly share the record for most triumphs in the South American championship having won the event 14 times, while they have also won two World Cup crowns, in 1978 and 1986.

However, they have not won either title since last clinching the Copa America in 1993, and in the interim period have seen Brazil increase their tally of World Cup triumphs to five while also winning four of the last five Copa America titles.

In the last two editions Brazil have beaten Argentina in the final - winning on penalties in Peru in 2004 and then 3-0 in Venezuela four years ago - and the Albiceleste will be determined to exact revenge this time around on home soil.

Argentina certainly have the players to end their barren run, boasting the likes of Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Javier Pastore and Angel Di Maria, and their superstar playmaker Lionel Messi knows just how high expectations are.

"We are always obliged to win no matter where we are. Argentina are always among the favourites and have to fight to win everything, and more so playing at home in front of our own fans," said the Barcelona ace told Colombia's El Pais newspaper.

Real Madrid striker Higuain added on Radio La Red: "Argentina have not won anything for a long time, but now we have the team to do it. No doubt, this is our time."

Argentina kick off the 12-team event against Bolivia in La Plata on Friday, with Colombia and invited guests Costa Rica the other teams in Group A.

Colombia look set to be without goalkeeper David Ospina, at least for the group phase, after he suffered a facial injury in training on Tuesday that is set to sideline him for around 15 days.

Two-time reigning champions Brazil are in Group B along with Paraguay, Venezuela and Ecuador.

Mano Menezes' side begin their campaign against Venezuela on Sunday, with the Brazil coach saying of that match: "Venezuela are a good opponent who have evolved in recent years. They are organised, investing more in football and having good games.

"We expect it to be as difficult as always, with close marking and a lot of players behind the ball."

In Group C, Chile, Mexico - also invited guests - Peru and 2010 World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay do battle to claim a quarter-final berth. The top two sides in each of the three groups plus the two best third-placed teams go through to the last eight,

Mexico's preparations for the competition have been blighted by controversy, with eight players this week being suspended for six months for violating team discipline.

The players - Nestor Vidrio, Israel Jimenez, Jonathan Dos Santos, Jorge Hernandez, David Cabrera, Marco Fabian, Javier Cortes and Nestor Calderon - were also fined 50,000 Mexican pesos (around £2,640) each.

The Mexican federation have not disclosed details of the incidents, which reportedly took place after Saturday's 1-0 Copa America warm-up win over Ecuador, but revealed the players involved were sorry for their actions.

That scandal came after five members of Mexico's CONCACAF Gold Cup squad were suspended last month after testing positive for clenbuterol.